Monday, January 19, 2026

Galaxy Gatsby! & Counting with Karina!

 

Galaxy Gatsby! & Counting with Karina!


Young Boy in Space Suit

Galaxy Gatsby!


Gatsby is a six year-old astronaut. Join Gatsby as he journeys through space in search of amazing new landscapes to explore. Maybe we will find and make new friends on the way! I wrote and illustrated this book with the help of my six year-old son, Gatsby!




Front and Back Cover of Book




Young Girl with Clouds Behind her

Counting with Karina!


My son wanted to publish a book helping young children to learn to count! This book was the result. I hope you and your young ones can get enjoyment out of our book. Maybe we can help to facilitate a special moment for you and your family!


Click here to get Counting with Karina! on Amazon 

Front and Back Cover of Book




 



Sunday, January 18, 2026

A Child's Garden of Melodies: Twenty Elementary Songs Based on the Poetry of R. L. Stevenson

 Faries in a Field


A Child's Garden of Melodies:

Twenty Elementary Songs Based

on the Poetry of R. L. Stevenson


"A Child's Garden of Melodies" is a delightful collection of songs crafted for children, set to the timeless poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson. Each piece is designed to be played and sung within a five-finger hand position, ranging from A to F, making it accessible for young learners. This method not only simplifies the playing process but also helps solidify intonation, allowing students to navigate melodic passages with greater accuracy. The songs are meant to be a fun and engaging way for students to develop their musical skills while enjoying the enchanting verses of Stevenson's poetry. The book serves multiple educational purposes. Primarily, it aids in solidifying intonation by keeping the melodic range within a perfect fifth, which is easier for young voices to manage. Additionally, it integrates the practice of playing and singing simultaneously, enhancing coordination and musicality. The act of singing while playing helps students understand musical phrasing better, as they naturally follow the rise and fall of Stevenson's rhythmic and accessible verses. This dual approach makes the book a valuable supplement for both voice and piano students. At the end of "A Child's Garden of Melodies," solfege exercises in each of the five-finger positions provide further practice in sight-singing and ear training. These exercises reinforce the skills developed through the songs, offering a comprehensive tool for musical education. Beyond its pedagogical benefits, the book also introduces students to classic literature, fostering an appreciation for Stevenson's work. "A Child's Garden of Melodies" is a versatile resource that combines musical instruction with literary enrichment, making it a perfect addition to any young musician's repertoire.

Click here to get A Child's Garden of Melodies on Amazon 





Book Contest

Thursday, January 15, 2026

The Angry Little Cloud

  Angry Looking Storm Cloud


The Angry Little Cloud — A Heartwarming Children’s Story About Acceptance and Finding Your Place in the World 

Do you remember what it felt like to be little and wonder if you truly belonged? The Angry Little Cloud captures that feeling beautifully — and transforms it into a story of hope, friendship, and self-discovery that children (and parents!) will remember long after the last page.

This enchanting children’s book isn’t just about a cloud — it’s about learning to love who you areunderstanding your unique gifts, and realizing that every person (or cloud!) has something special to share with the world.


☁️ Meet The Angry Little Cloud

The Angry Little Cloud doesn’t think anyone likes him. He’s sad, grumpy, and feels out of place. Everywhere he goes, it seems like others have it better — especially his bright and cheerful friend, the Sun.

But one day, the Sun decides to show his gloomy friend something amazing: the world isn’t as simple as it seems. There are places where the Angry Little Cloud’s rain brings life, joy, and beauty. He discovers that being different isn’t something to be sad about — it’s something to celebrate.


🌞 A Powerful Message for Kids (and Grown-Ups Too!)

Through colorful storytelling and heartfelt lessons, The Angry Little Cloud helps children understand one of life’s most important truths:
πŸ’› Everyone is important.
πŸ’› Everyone has value.
πŸ’› And everyone’s unique qualities make the world brighter, kinder, and more balanced.

Parents will love how this book opens the door to meaningful conversations about self-esteem, empathy, and acceptance. Kids will fall in love with the charming characters and gentle reminder that being different is what makes you wonderful.


Why You’ll Love Reading This Book With Your Child

  • Teaches Acceptance & Self-Worth — Encourages children to see the beauty in their own strengths.

  • Beautifully Illustrated & Easy to Understand — Perfect for bedtime stories or classroom reading.

  • Promotes Kindness & Gratitude — Helps kids appreciate others’ differences and their own.

  • Opens Meaningful Conversations — Ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to guide children in building confidence and compassion.


πŸ“š A Story That Grows With Your Child

As your child grows, they’ll come to understand deeper layers of The Angry Little Cloud — from simple lessons about friendship to complex ideas about purpose, belonging, and empathy.

It’s more than a story — it’s a tool to nurture emotional intelligence and self-love.


🌀️ Bring Sunshine to Your Storytime

If you’re searching for a heartwarming story that teaches your child the power of self-acceptance, The Angry Little Cloud is the perfect choice.

Whether you’re reading it snuggled on the couch, in a classroom circle, or as a bedtime ritual, this delightful tale will leave you both smiling — and maybe looking at clouds a little differently.


πŸ“± Available Now on Kindle!

Read it today on Kindle — bring this magical story wherever you go.

A wonderful gift for young readers ages 3–8 who love stories about kindness, emotions, and discovery.

πŸ‘‰ Get your copy of The Angry Little Cloud: A Children’s Book About Acceptance today and remind your little ones — they’re perfect just the way they are!


Click here to get The Angry Little Cloud on Amazon Kindle 

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Gramps and L.D.

    Old Man with Family and Duck



“A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Loss, and the Unbreakable Bond Between Man, Family, and One Remarkable Duck”

Some stories remind us that love isn’t limited to humans—that faith can be found in the most unexpected of creatures. Gramps and L.D. by Dr. Walter R. Hoge is one such story: a tender, true-to-life tale that begins with a chance encounter between a man and a fragile duckling… and grows into a lifelong testament to endurance, devotion, and divine purpose.

When Gramps discovers eight eggs abandoned by their mother, he faces an impossible choice—let nature take its course, or intervene. What hatches from that moment of compassion is L.D., a duck born with crippled legs, unable to swim, walk, or survive without help. But what begins as an act of mercy soon becomes a living parable. As Gramps and Grandma nurse L.D. through his struggles, they uncover something deeper than animal care—they find reflection, redemption, and a renewed sense of God’s grace in the face of hardship.

“A tender, faith-filled true story that proves even the smallest creature can leave the deepest imprint on the human heart.” – MainSpring Books

Through simple country wisdom and faith, Gramps and L.D. captures the beauty of perseverance in the face of pain, the strength found in family unity, and the quiet miracles that can emerge from ordinary life. L.D. becomes more than a pet—he becomes the Lord’s Disciple, a living reminder that even in weakness, there is divine purpose, and even in loss, love never leaves us.

Discover how one man’s compassion for a struggling duck blossomed into a lifelong lesson on faith, family, and the quiet miracles that remind us love endures through every season of life.

Click here to get Gramps and L.D. on Amazon 


Check out Author's Website Below

 







Tuesday, January 13, 2026

The Standing Desk: Because Your Chair Is Not Your Best Friend

  Egyptian Man Using Standing Desk to Design Pyramids


The Standing Desk: Because Your Chair Is Not Your Best Friend

Once upon a time, work meant moving. Then chairs happened. Comfortable, rolling, deceptively friendly chairs that slowly turned many of us into highly productive statues. Enter the standing desk—the unsung hero of modern work life and a gentle reminder that your body was not designed to be folded like a lawn chair for eight hours straight.

Let’s talk about why standing desks are more than just a trendy office upgrade—and why your body and brain might secretly be begging for one.


1. Your Body Likes Movement (Even If Your Couch Doesn’t)

Standing desks encourage natural movement, which is something sitting actively prevents.

Physical Benefits:

  • Improved posture – Standing naturally engages your core and helps reduce that “keyboard goblin” hunch.

  • Less back and neck pain – Alternating between sitting and standing can reduce pressure on your spine.

  • Better circulation – Blood actually enjoys flowing instead of pooling like it’s stuck in rush-hour traffic.

  • Burns more calories – No, it’s not CrossFit, but standing burns more calories than sitting. Every little bit counts.

Think of a standing desk as low-effort wellness. You’re already working—now your body is just invited to participate.


2. Standing = Sharper Brain (Yes, Really)

Standing desks don’t just benefit your body—they wake up your brain.

Mental & Productivity Benefits:

  • Increased focus and alertness – Standing boosts blood flow to the brain, which helps you stay awake without a fifth cup of coffee.

  • Better mood – Less sluggishness often equals less irritability. (Your coworkers will thank you.)

  • Improved creativity – Many people report clearer thinking and better idea flow while standing.

  • Reduced afternoon crash – Standing helps fight that post-lunch fog where emails suddenly feel emotionally overwhelming.

Your brain likes oxygen. Standing helps deliver it—without needing a motivational speech.


3. A Standing Desk Is Basically a Sneaky Fitness Tool

One of the best parts? You can exercise while working and still look professional (or at least “professionally trying”).

Easy Desk Exercises:

  • Calf raises – Lift your heels while reading emails. Boom. Lower-leg workout.

  • Mini squats – Waiting for something to load? Drop a few squats. Your thighs won’t forget you.

  • Glute squeezes – Invisible, effective, and socially acceptable.

  • Core engagement – Lightly engage your abs while standing to support posture.

  • Marching in place – Great during phone calls. Nobody sees you anyway.

  • Stretch breaks – Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, arm stretches—your body will love you.

You’re not “working out.” You’re just not stiffening into office furniture.


4. Standing Desks Help Break the Sedentary Cycle

Long periods of sitting have been linked to:

  • Increased risk of heart disease

  • Weight gain

  • Poor metabolic health

  • Lower energy levels

Standing desks encourage micro-movement, which is far better than staying frozen in one position all day. The real magic happens when you alternate—sit when you need to, stand when you can.

It’s not about standing all day.
It’s about not sitting all day.


5. Unexpected Bonus Benefits

Standing desks also come with a few perks no one tells you about:

  • Fewer snack attacks – Standing makes mindless snacking slightly less convenient.

  • More confidence – Standing literally puts you in a stronger, more alert posture.

  • Better meetings – Standing meetings tend to be shorter and more focused.

  • Easier transitions – Standing makes it easier to take quick movement breaks instead of collapsing back into your chair.

And yes, it gives you a perfectly valid reason to say, “I’ll get back to that email—I’m currently standing for my health.”


6. How to Start Without Hating It

If you’re new to standing desks:

  • Start with 15–30 minutes at a time

  • Wear supportive shoes or use an anti-fatigue mat

  • Keep your monitor at eye level

  • Shift weight, move often, don’t lock your knees

  • Listen to your body—this is not a punishment

Standing desks work best when they’re part of a flexible routine, not a rigid rule.


Your Desk Should Work With You

A standing desk isn’t about being extreme, trendy, or pretending you’re training for a marathon. It’s about giving your body options, your brain more energy, and your workday a little more life.

Because at the end of the day, your chair shouldn’t be the most active thing in your office.

Your body called.
It would like to stand up now.

Click here to see the Standing Desk I use as I do my Posts (Image Below)

Wonderful looking Standing Desk




Monday, January 12, 2026

Upgrade You

 Well Dressed Man walking through Metaphysical City


Why Upgrade You is the Self-Help Book That Actually Works

Finger Pointing at Reader

Let’s be honest: most self-help books either make you feel guilty for not meditating more, or broke because you don’t have time for a $22 smoothie made of stardust and chia tears.

Enter: Upgrade You by Dr. Rob Alex — the book that doesn’t want to fix you… because you’re not broken. You’re just due for an upgrade, like your phone, your laptop, or your soul when Mercury is in Gatorade.

This isn’t your average “take a deep breath and envision your dream life while ignoring the dirty dishes and existential dread” kind of read. This is real-talk with cosmic flair, a healthy dose of sass, and the kind of motivation that feels like your best friend yelling lovingly at you from across the void.


Your Life. But With More Power and Less Pressure.

Upgrade You is like downloading the latest patch for your life software — except instead of technical jargon, you get laughter, lightbulb moments, and permission to just be a work in progress with style.

Dr. Rob Alex doesn’t preach. He doesn’t shame you for skipping the gym or eating tacos instead of tofu. What he does do is help you:

  • See your habits as magic tricks in disguise

  • Flip your mindset like a pancake, but with less mess

  • Build real confidence (the kind that sticks, not the kind that melts under stress like cheap mascara)

The message is simple but powerful:
Stop “fixing” yourself. You’re not broken.
Start upgrading yourself. You’re becoming.


Small Changes, Big Energy

Let’s face it — you’ve probably tried every “morning routine that will change your life,” only to end up crying in your car at 9:12am wondering if lighting incense counts as self-care.

Good news: Upgrade You doesn’t demand perfection. It invites progress.

Whether you start with cleaning out your closet or cleaning out your inner critic, every small shift adds up to a massive energy reboot.

And we’re not just talking physical energy — we’re talking metaphysical swagger:

  • Saying “no” like a boundary-setting badass

  • Laughing at your flaws instead of hiding them

  • Turning everyday rituals (coffee, brushing your teeth, avoiding your email) into intentional upgrades

It’s part self-help, part soul surgery — and somehow still hilarious.


Metaphysical Magic Without the Mumbo Jumbo

This book manages to tap into deep metaphysical truths — energy, intention, personal power — without sounding like a seminar hosted by someone named Skylar Moonbeam.

It’s practical mysticism.
Grounded spiritual growth.
Alignment with WiFi.
(Okay, maybe not that last one, but who knows?)

Rob Alex teaches you how to:

  • Connect with your energy source (without needing to sit on a mountain or buy a crystal the size of your head)

  • Tune your frequency so you attract better stuff (and people who don't ghost you)

  • Actually enjoy the process of personal growth instead of just white-knuckling it


Real Wisdom, Real Laughs, Real Results

Upgrade You doesn’t take itself too seriously — but don’t let the humor fool you. The insights hit deep. The exercises work. And the overall vibe is something like:

“You’ve got infinite potential. Now let’s unlock it without losing your mind — or your joy.”

It’s the kind of book you’ll read with a highlighter in one hand and a margarita in the other (because balance, baby). It’s also the kind of book you’ll want to gift to that friend who keeps reading sad memes and calling it therapy.


You Don’t Need a New You. You Just Need a Better Signal.

If your life feels like a glitchy app that crashes when things get too real — Upgrade You is your reboot.

So go ahead:

  • Hit refresh on your mindset

  • Delete your inner critic's bad Yelp review

  • And download some divine updates to your confidence, clarity, and cosmic swagger

Because your next level isn’t somewhere far away.
It’s one simple, soulful, slightly hilarious step away.


Get your hands (and heart) on Upgrade You: Simple Changes, Powerful Energy, Infinite Potential today.
The upgrade is optional — but staying stuck? That’s so last season.


CLICK HERE TO GET UPGRADE YOU!

ON AMAZON / KINDLE 

OR READ FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Alligator Gully

 alligator and wonderful scenery


Alligator Gully


Alligator Gully is a juvenile chapter book for kids ages 7-12. This is a book for kids and about kids and daily challenges they face at school and at home. Looking for excitement and to finally get answers to a long-time folktale, three boys take off on a hunt for the Evil Creature in "Alligator Gully", which is a well-known gully that appears to be shaped like an alligator on the bottom of the desert floor. The boys go unprepared for a day in the desert heat. A disaster occurs and they are saved by unlikely sources. Alligator Gully is a fun and exciting book for kids with life lessons about friendships and the dangers of the desert. Has received very positive feedback!


Also Available on other retailers and GoodReads

Text on Back of book





Sunday, January 11, 2026

Aqua & Marin Tales of Courage and Bravery

Two Water Drops One Riding a bee


  

Aqua & Marin Tales of Courage and Bravery


Two adventurous water drops... Join Aqua and Marin as they explore the wonders of the water cycle and the world! See them in action as they overcome challenges and make friends along the way. From the jungles of the Amazon to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, discover an inspiring story of friendship that feeds the spirit of curiosity and discovery.






Saturday, January 10, 2026

A Rose for Rayne

 

Young Girl and Flower making a love Connection

A Rose for Rayne


Curious little Rayne loves adventures-but nothing could prepare her for a talking flower! Together, they laugh, explore, and share secrets.
One night, the rose makes a heartfelt request…and Rayne must decide just how far she’ll go for her one true friend.
A magical, heartwarming story full of friendship, wonder, and beautifully illustrated moments that children will treasure again and again.
This interactive coloring book inspires imagination, kindness, and creativity, making it a perfect addition to any child’s library.



About the Author: Ronald Robinson is an award-winning educator and writer recognized by both the National Education Association as well as the Virginia Education Association as a Hilda Maehling Fellowship and VEA Mini-Grant Recipient.




Friday, January 9, 2026

Why Upgrade You is the Self-Help Book That Actually Works

 Well Dressed Man walking through Metaphysical City


Why Upgrade You is the Self-Help Book That Actually Works

Finger Pointing at Reader

Let’s be honest: most self-help books either make you feel guilty for not meditating more, or broke because you don’t have time for a $22 smoothie made of stardust and chia tears.

Enter: Upgrade You by Dr. Rob Alex — the book that doesn’t want to fix you… because you’re not broken. You’re just due for an upgrade, like your phone, your laptop, or your soul when Mercury is in Gatorade.

This isn’t your average “take a deep breath and envision your dream life while ignoring the dirty dishes and existential dread” kind of read. This is real-talk with cosmic flair, a healthy dose of sass, and the kind of motivation that feels like your best friend yelling lovingly at you from across the void.


Your Life. But With More Power and Less Pressure.

Upgrade You is like downloading the latest patch for your life software — except instead of technical jargon, you get laughter, lightbulb moments, and permission to just be a work in progress with style.

Dr. Rob Alex doesn’t preach. He doesn’t shame you for skipping the gym or eating tacos instead of tofu. What he does do is help you:

  • See your habits as magic tricks in disguise

  • Flip your mindset like a pancake, but with less mess

  • Build real confidence (the kind that sticks, not the kind that melts under stress like cheap mascara)

The message is simple but powerful:
Stop “fixing” yourself. You’re not broken.
Start upgrading yourself. You’re becoming.


Small Changes, Big Energy

Let’s face it — you’ve probably tried every “morning routine that will change your life,” only to end up crying in your car at 9:12am wondering if lighting incense counts as self-care.

Good news: Upgrade You doesn’t demand perfection. It invites progress.

Whether you start with cleaning out your closet or cleaning out your inner critic, every small shift adds up to a massive energy reboot.

And we’re not just talking physical energy — we’re talking metaphysical swagger:

  • Saying “no” like a boundary-setting badass

  • Laughing at your flaws instead of hiding them

  • Turning everyday rituals (coffee, brushing your teeth, avoiding your email) into intentional upgrades

It’s part self-help, part soul surgery — and somehow still hilarious.


Metaphysical Magic Without the Mumbo Jumbo

This book manages to tap into deep metaphysical truths — energy, intention, personal power — without sounding like a seminar hosted by someone named Skylar Moonbeam.

It’s practical mysticism.
Grounded spiritual growth.
Alignment with WiFi.
(Okay, maybe not that last one, but who knows?)

Rob Alex teaches you how to:

  • Connect with your energy source (without needing to sit on a mountain or buy a crystal the size of your head)

  • Tune your frequency so you attract better stuff (and people who don't ghost you)

  • Actually enjoy the process of personal growth instead of just white-knuckling it


Real Wisdom, Real Laughs, Real Results

Upgrade You doesn’t take itself too seriously — but don’t let the humor fool you. The insights hit deep. The exercises work. And the overall vibe is something like:

“You’ve got infinite potential. Now let’s unlock it without losing your mind — or your joy.”

It’s the kind of book you’ll read with a highlighter in one hand and a margarita in the other (because balance, baby). It’s also the kind of book you’ll want to gift to that friend who keeps reading sad memes and calling it therapy.


You Don’t Need a New You. You Just Need a Better Signal.

If your life feels like a glitchy app that crashes when things get too real — Upgrade You is your reboot.

So go ahead:

  • Hit refresh on your mindset

  • Delete your inner critic's bad Yelp review

  • And download some divine updates to your confidence, clarity, and cosmic swagger

Because your next level isn’t somewhere far away.
It’s one simple, soulful, slightly hilarious step away.


Get your hands (and heart) on Upgrade You: Simple Changes, Powerful Energy, Infinite Potential today.
The upgrade is optional — but staying stuck? That’s so last season.


CLICK HERE TO GET UPGRADE YOU!

ON AMAZON / KINDLE 

OR READ FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Celi and Or

  Two birds over eggs


Celi and Or: A nest full of love

(A tender story about storks, family love and building a home together) 


The life of storks is full of challenges, migrations, and discoveries.

In this first installment of the Celi and Or series, you’ll discover the tender story of how these two traveling storks met for the first time, after happily returning home from a long migratory journey across other continents.

Amid graceful flights and a unique aerial dance—so typical of storks—Celi and Or fall in love and, with affection and teamwork, begin building their first nest. Day by day, they fill it with twigs, feathers, and care, dreaming of the arrival of their first family.

The story culminates in a magical moment: the first eggs resting safely in the nest, and hope beating in both their hearts as they await the hatching of their chicks.

With sweet language and plenty of fun facts about the real life of storks, this illustrated story is perfect for children aged 3 to 7, to be read together as a family or in the classroom.

In the upcoming books of the collection, you’ll discover how Celi and Or care for their chicks and, later on, how they embark together on the great adventure of migration to warmer lands when autumn arrives.

A book that combines nature, environmental education, and family values — perfect for little explorers… and for everyone who believes in the power of love and home! 

Click here to get Celi and Or: A nest full of love on Amazon


Birds Flying

Celi & Or: The Storklings’ First Flight is a poetic and tender story filled with emotion, celebrating family, togetherness, and the magical moment when children learn to fly on their own.

In this second book of the series, the storks Celi and Or accompany their four little ones through a new stage of life. Between games, lessons, and timid flights, they discover that letting go is also a way of loving. With warm illustrations and gentle language, this story teaches children — and parents — that true love doesn’t hold back, it lifts you to fly higher.

Synopsis
πŸ’­ What does a parent feel when the moment comes to see their children take their first flight?

Celi and Or watch their little ones with pride and tenderness. They’ve grown, they’ve learned, and now they’re ready to spread their wings for the very first time. The wind is soft, the sky is clear, and the parents’ hearts blend joy with nostalgia. In this new chapter of life, Celi and Or discover that every goodbye holds a beginning — and that the strongest bonds are those that allow you to soar higher.

A Book That Crosses Borders
Celi & Or: The Storklings’ First Flight is a bilingual picture book that invites families to share reading and language learning from the heart.

Available in four language editions — English, Spanish, German and French - this book connects generations, cultures, and emotions with a universal message: love grows when shared and blossoms when it sets others free.



Two Birds Flying over different Land


Celi & Or: A Migration Journey is a poetic and luminous story about love, family, and the courage to follow one’s path. In this third book of the series, the storks Celi and Or set off with their little ones on a long journey toward warmer lands. Along the way, they face the challenges of the wind, the beauty of new landscapes, and the importance of trusting their own wings.

Each page invites children to look at the sky with wonder, to feel the rhythm of nature, and to remember that home is not always a place — it is the love that connects us to those who fly beside us. Through simple language and delicate beauty, this bilingual book teaches children about the migration of birds while also exploring family bonds, resilience, and the quiet strength of moving forward.

Synopsis
πŸ’­ What drives the storks to begin their long journey each year? What makes them return to the place where they were born?


Celi and Or accompany their little ones through a journey full of discoveries, emotions, and lessons. Together they cross rivers, mountains, and endless skies, following the call of the heart and of nature. Their migration becomes a metaphor for life itself — moving forward with hope, overcoming fear, and believing that every step, or every flight, brings us closer to our true home.

A Book That Crosses Borders

Celi & Or: A Migration Journey is a bilingual picture book that unites generations and cultures through a universal story of love, nature, and returning home.

Available in four editions — English, German, French and Spanish — this book is part of a collection that celebrates the beauty of life in motion and the bond between parents and children.

Reading it is like traveling, learning, and rediscovering the tenderness that keeps us connected.


Galaxy Gatsby! & Counting with Karina!

  Galaxy Gatsby! &  Counting with Karina! Galaxy Gatsby! Gatsby is a six year-old astronaut. Join Gatsby as he journeys through space in...